The Dragon's Head Blog: Temple award presented
The prestigious Governor General’s Medal for Architecture has been formally presented in a ceremony in Ottawa for Fung Loy Kok’s Wong Dai Sin Temple in Markham, near Toronto. Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism president Marsha Eberhardt and manager Chris Farano were present.
Bottom row (left to right): Monica Leung, Shim Sutcliffe Architects, Brigitte Shim, Principle Shim Sutcliffe Architects, Hon. David Johnston GG of Canada, Howard Sutcliffe Principle Shim Sutcliffe Architects. Top row (left to right): Chris Farano, Marsha Eberhardt. Simon Brault, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts. Allan Teramura, President, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Ewa Bieniecka, 1st Vice-President/President-Elect, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Simon Cooper President, Two Degrees North.
Some international jury comments for the Wong Dai Sin Temple building:
The jury appreciates this project for its conceptual clarity. It is a pleasure to see such a unique building that celebrates structural form and materials.
The relationship between the form and function of the Temple demonstrates a strong and considered composition. For example, the Temple gives the appearance of being both heavy and light; the major volume hovers above the ground, providing a protected space below for collective activities. Similarly, the striking façade modulates natural light while controlling views of the surroundings.
This is a beautifully crafted and designed building that the jury feels raises the bar for architects working in the domain of new spiritual buildings.